We're beginning to learn more about Derrick Rose's mysterious absence from the Knicks game

Shortly before the New York Knicks' tip-off against the New
Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, it was announced that backup
guard Brandon Jennings would start in place of Derrick Rose, who
was not with the team.

Rose's absence quickly became a mystery. Rose was not on the
injury report or listed as away from the team for personal
reasons.

Reports said the team and Rose's confidants had not heard from
him, and though he attended the team's shootaround Monday
morning, he simply did not show up for the game. Amid his
absence, concern for his well-being began to rise, with no
updates on where he was or why he missed the game.

After the game, however, the picture became slightly
clearer.

Knicks center Joakim Noah, one of Rose's close friends, said he
talked to Rose after the game and that Rose was OK. He declined
to elaborate, saying he didn't know enough about the situation.
Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said he expected Rose to be back with
the team but declined further comment, saying he didn't have
enough information.

According to ESPN, Rose went missing before the game, and the
Knicks grew concerned enough to send someone to Rose's apartment
to check on him. Rose reportedly told the Knicks later on that he
went to Chicago, his hometown, to attend to a family matter. ESPN
reports that Rose left the team without permission, which could
be why the absence created such an air of mystery.

Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Rose had been upset
with the team's performance and his role. Wojnarowski added that
Rose's relationship with Hornacek had "frayed in recent weeks."
Rose recently sat during the fourth quarter of games while rookie
point guard Ron Baker played.

Wojnarowski said the Knicks were "livid and embarrassed" by
Rose's mysterious absence and his failure to contact the team. He
could be facing a suspension from the team when he returns.